What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Alcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolypropylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantIron Oxides
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveTin Oxide
AbrasiveWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Isododecane, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, CI 77891, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides, CI 77492, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77491, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol, CI 77499, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Silica, Tin Oxide
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Isododecane
EmollientBis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3
CleansingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
CI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantErythritol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantIsostearic Acid
CleansingBis-Behenyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeStearic Acid
CleansingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTrisodium EDTA
Methylparaben
PreservativeCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPolysilicone-2
Trehalose
HumectantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPyrus Cydonia Seed Extract
MaskingTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantAlcohol
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingTheanine
EmollientPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingCitrus Junos Seed Extract
AntioxidantRosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract
TonicMica
Cosmetic ColorantAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPerilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Titanium Dioxide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Isododecane, Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isopropyl Myristate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77492, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, CI 77120, Erythritol, Xylitol, Isostearic Acid, Bis-Behenyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleate, Diisostearyl Malate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, CI 77491, Trisodium EDTA, Methylparaben, CI 77499, Polysilicone-2, Trehalose, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, BHT, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Parfum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dipropylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Sodium Metabisulfite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Theanine, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Glycine, Citrus Junos Seed Extract, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Mica, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer is a type of silicone.
This ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecaneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water